The Historical Dictionary of Film Noir is a comprehensive guide that
ranges from 1940 to present day neo-noir. It consists of a chronology,
an introductory essay, a bibliography, a filmography, and over 400
cross-referenced dictionary entries on every aspect of film noir and
neo-noir, including key films, personnel (actors, cinematographers,
composers, directors, producers, set designers, and writers), themes,
issues, influences, visual style, cycles of films (e.g. amnesiac noirs),
the representation of the city and gender, other forms (comics/graphic
novels, television, and videogames), and noir's presence in world
cinema. It is an essential reference work for all those interested in
this important cultural phenomenon.